HC Deb 19 June 1947 vol 438 c228W
12. Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the urgent need for coal in the Scandinavian and other countries which relied on British coal supplies before the war, and of the probability that British output will be insufficient for many years to fulfil their requirements, he will consider the possibility of evolving arrangements whereby these countries should train a number of their own citizens as miners and send them over here to assist in mining coal for their own requirements.

Mr. Shinwell

No. In the first five months of this year some 47,000 men and boys entered the mines and recruits could not in present circumstances be trained, housed and absorbed at any appreciably higher rate.